Estate Planning Attorneys Offering Comprehensive Estate Services
Last updated on May 20, 2025
Regardless of the size of your estate, it is important to have a properly drafted estate plan to ensure that your affairs are appropriately handled to accomplish your objectives. The estate planning lawyers at W.R. Stewart & Associates, S.C., help clients in the Madison area and throughout Wisconsin plan for the efficient transfer of assets and the elimination or minimization of estate taxes.
Our estate planning attorneys have the experience necessary to assist clients with the preparation of strategic estate plans tailored to their unique needs and situations. Contact W.R. Stewart & Associates, S.C., to discuss your estate planning needs: 608-509-9049.
Estate Planning For Today And Tomorrow
We understand that estate planning is a process that evolves over time as the laws and your personal needs change. Our estate planning attorneys recommend that you establish or update your estate plan routinely upon such life-changing events as the birth of a child, a marriage, or divorce.
These events, as well as changes in estate planning laws, may alter the way you want your estate handled. Our estate planning attorneys are available to review and revise your estate plan down the road, ensuring your plan keeps up with changes in the laws and your circumstances.
We assist clients with the following estate planning needs:
- Wills
- Trusts
- Establishing guardianships
- Advance directives: power of attorney, power of attorney for health care (living will)
- Life insurance
- Marital property agreements
- Probate of estates
- Property passing under Wisconsin state law
Our estate planning lawyers will take the time to understand your financial and family situation. After a personal interview, our attorneys will assess your specific needs and advise you on an estate plan that we feel would best address those needs and achieve your ultimate goals. You are then free to proceed with our recommended plan or pick and choose between the options presented. Our goal is your complete satisfaction with the final outcome.
Estate Planning For Different Circumstances And Life Stages
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or elderly but for everyone. Different stages of life bring different needs, goals and priorities. Whether starting a family or planning for retirement, estate planning helps protect your assets, your loved ones and your wishes. Estate planning can be tailored to suit various life situations:
- Young families: The focus is usually on protecting children. Naming guardians in a will helps ensure your kids are cared for by someone you trust. Setting up a trust can manage assets until children are old enough to handle them. In addition, life insurance is a key part of planning, providing financial support if something unexpected happens. Beneficiary designations and power of attorney forms are often included as well.
- Retirees and seniors: At this stage, estate planning is about reviewing and updating documents. A will, health care directive and financial power of attorney are essential. Many also consider long-term care planning and Medicaid strategies. Seniors can focus on minimizing taxes, avoiding probate and confirming that assets are distributed according to their wishes.
- Blended families: These types of families may face complex situations involving children from previous relationships. Without a clear estate plan, conflicts can arise. A trust can help ensure assets are divided fairly and according to your intent. This planning also helps clarify who inherits what, which is especially important if stepchildren or multiple marriages are involved.
- Special needs planning: Families with a loved one who has a disability must take extra care in planning. A special needs trust can provide for that person’s future without affecting their eligibility for government benefits. This type of trust can cover housing, education, therapy and other needs while preserving financial aid.
- Business owners: Estate planning for business owners often includes succession planning. Who will take over the business? Will it be sold? A solid estate plan can help ensure a smooth transition while reducing taxes and protecting the business’s value. Buy-sell agreements, business trusts and powers of attorney may be included.
- Farmers: Farms are often family-run and involve land passed down for generations. Estate planning can help keep the farm in the family, reduce estate taxes and ensure that children who want to continue farming are treated fairly alongside siblings.
No matter your life stage or situation, estate planning helps you protect what matters most.
Contact Us For Asset Protection And Elder Care
In addition to wills, health care directives and other estate planning services, the estate planning attorneys at W.R. Stewart & Associates, S.C., represent clients in matters of elder law. Areas of interest include Medicaid planning, conservation of assets, retirement, long-term care and guardianships.
For more information about elder law, or our estate planning practice, or to schedule a consultation with an estate planning lawyer, contact us today.